The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Tuesday, January 01, 2019 03:03 PM
East Tn Man Facing Charges After Crushing 6-Month Old Kitten, Bearing Her Alive Near Unicoi County
Shelter Director Kevin King informed authorities a man and woman brought the kitten to the shelter on June 22 and showed photos of them rescuing the animal from a shallow grave in Erwin.
King said the woman told him another woman at 29-year-old Johnny Mack Rogers’ home stepped on the kitten and Rogers buried the animal, adding that Rogers and that woman were drunk during the incident.
One of the workers took Warrior to Robinson Animal Hospital, where a volunteer noted the kitten was covered in blood and constantly gasping for air, with a mouth full of dirt. Veterinarians worked to save the kitten's life but were unsuccessful.
Rogers now faces a felony aggravated animal cruelty charge in a criminal complaint filed by King.
Volunteers said Rogers' court date is September 20. It’s unclear if Rogers has an attorney.
